By Kerstein Mallon
The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE—Local gymnastics champion Trent Milligan is ramping up for the Canadian Winter Games in PEI this month.
The Dunnville native began practicing the sport at just two years old. He attended Gymmies in Caledonia and participated recreationally there until he was seven, when he began his competitive journey and transitioned to a gymnastics program in Burlington.
He expanded on the skills required for all six events that he must compete in as an All-Round Gymnast: floor, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars, and high bars. He trains five days per week for four hours each session.
Trent participated in the Junior Pan Am games in Brazil in 2019, where he placed first for All-Round Gymnast and team Canada placed second overall.
For the upcoming Winter Games, he has secured his position with Team Ontario by placing in the top three in all qualifiers, including the Ontario provincial qualifiers and Winter Games qualifier. He is one of six competitors on the team.
The Winter Games will be his last competition as a junior athlete. He hopes to make it to Paris next year for the Olympics and said, “It would be an amazing achievement and an honour to represent Canada at the Olympic level.”
He enjoys the social aspect of the sport but thinks that overcoming mental blocks is the best part of his training.
He explained, “Knowing that you need to be better, you have to try harder, even though you may be terrified because you could hurt yourself, but by overcoming your mental blocks, you will beat any challenge and learn a new skill.”
Trent says that his mom, Kathy, has played a huge role in helping him achieve his level of success.
“Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am,” he said. He also speaks highly of his Romanian coaches, Tudor Mereuta and Nistor Sandro, who have dedicated their time and expertise to help train him for the level he has achieved.
When he is not practicing or competing, Trent is a full-time student. He is currently attending the University of Guelph, studying Biological Sciences as he hopes to pursue a career in zoology.
Trent is shown in his work as a children’s entertainer bringing gymnastics to the next generation with a superhero spin.
With what remaining free time he has, he also brings joy to younger generations through his business by performing at birthday parties and similar events as the crime-fighting superhero Spiderman. He demonstrates his unique talents and agility while in the suit, which is a real treat for all the little Spiderman fans. He can be contacted to join upcoming events at spideyvisits.com.
Trent’s advice to anyone thinking about learning gymnastics is to go out to their local centre and learn the basic skills, such as tumbling, and see if that sparks a greater love for the sport.
Trent leaves for the Winter Games on February 17 and this upcoming superstar will have the full support of the Haldimand community behind him. With his determination and positive mental attitude, we will surely be cheering him on as he goes for the gold!
